Tanzanian Prez John Magufuli votes in polls

President John Magufuli cast his ballot in the presidential election of Tanzania, which the opposition warns is already deeply compromised by manipulation and deadly violence.

Dodoma: Tanzania President John Magufuli on Wednesday cast his ballot in the presidential election, which the opposition warns is already deeply compromised by manipulation and deadly violence.

Tanzania, once praised for its relative peace and its peacemaking efforts in Africa, has become a human rights crisis as diplomats, the United Nations human rights office and others say the government under Magufuli has stifled media, civil society and opposition voices.

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He also has been accused of downplaying the coronavirus pandemic, declaring it defeated through prayer.

The populist Magufuli, who made his name in part by targeting corruption, now seeks a second five-year term in one of Africa’s most populous and fastest-growing economies.

Top opposition challenger Tundu Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and returned from exile earlier this year.

He was banned from campaigning for a week earlier this month by authorities who accused him of making seditious comments.

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Lissu has urged people to go into the streets to protest if election results are not counted properly before they're announced on Thursday.

Results are expected within three days - and by law, the results declared by the electoral commission cannot be challenged in court.

AP